Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

What Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2012 and headquartered at 821 Corporate Drive, Lexington, Kentucky. TAA accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations that retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbred racehorses. As the only Thoroughbred-specific accrediting body, TAA reviews applicants against a Code of Standards covering operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards, and adoption policies; the Code has been reviewed and approved by the American Humane Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Accredited organizations must comply with scheduled and random site inspections and re-accredit every two years.

The organization's core products are the Accreditation Program, the Grants Program (more than $40.74M distributed since 2012 to 86 accredited organizations across ~175 North American facilities, including $4.7M in 2025), a searchable Find an Organization locator, and supporting education and content resources. TAA does not sell products or services; revenue is generated entirely from donations, industry-wide contributions, event proceeds, and government grants. The funding base is anchored by founding partners Breeders' Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, with additional support from racetracks (1/ST Racing, NYRA, Churchill Downs, Del Mar, Tampa Bay Downs), racetrack placement programs (Turning for Home, CARMA, Take the Lead, Beyond the Wire, Gulfstream Park Transition Program), corporate sponsors (Paragon Farms, Hallway Feeds, Fidelity First, Repole Stable, Brook Ledge, Tipperary Equestrian), and state-level funding from the Commonwealth of Kentucky under 2024's House Bill 8.

TAA serves three core constituencies: the 86 accredited aftercare nonprofits that receive accreditation and grants; donors and industry stakeholders (owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, horseplayers, racing fans) who fund the system; and racing-industry participants who partner with accredited programs to retire horses safely. The organization maintains a presence at major North American race days through named races, VIP experiences, booths, and educational activations, and runs recurring community programs including the annual Calendar Photo Contest and the Off to the Races online benefit auction. Leadership for 2026 transitioned to Walter S. Robertson, Jr. as President; Jeffrey Bloom and Mike Meuser have also held the President role. TAA holds GuideStar Platinum transparency status and has been recognized with the 2013 Special Eclipse Award, 2019 Special Award of Merit at Preakness, and 2023 Clay Puett Award.

Name

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Legal name

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Website

https://thoroughbredaftercare.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and grants funds to approved Thoroughbred aftercare organizations across North America, having distributed over $40.74 million since 2012 to 86 accredited organizations operating ~175 facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Equine Aftercare Accreditation

NAICS

Support Activities for Animal Production (115210)

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)

akta.pro primary industry

Racing Associations, Governance & Integrity Services (MPAEADAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Training, Stables & Equine Services (MPAEADAI), Equine Care & Stable Management (EDAOAOAE)

Keywords

• Equine aftercare accreditation
• Thoroughbred retirement programs
• Horse welfare nonprofit
• Aftercare grant funding
• Racehorse rehoming services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lexington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and charitable contributions: The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on donations from the public, owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Donations support the grant funding distributed to accredited aftercare organizations.
2. Industry-wide funding: Funded initially by seed money from Breeders' Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association Inc. The organization continues to receive support from these original partners and broader industry stakeholders as part of a shared funding mechanism.
3. Annual grants to accredited organizations: The organization distributes grants to accredited aftercare organizations. In 2025, $4.7 million in grants were awarded to 86 accredited organizations.

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations that retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds. It maintains the industry's Code of Standards for aftercare and channels industry-wide funding from owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, and other stakeholders to accredited organizations across North America.

Product overview

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates a core accreditation and grants program for Thoroughbred aftercare organizations. The organization provides three primary offerings: an accreditation program that reviews all aspects of aftercare nonprofits against industry-wide standards; a grants program that has distributed over $40.74 million to accredited organizations since 2012; and a Find an Organization locator tool that helps locate accredited facilities across North America. Supporting programs include the Code of Standards framework, the annual Off to the Races benefit auction, Calendar Photo Contest, and educational resources including Success Stories, Retraining Tips, and Equine-Assisted Learning materials. Currently 86 organizations with approximately 175 facilities hold accreditation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Accreditation Program Accreditation program that reviews all aspects of an aftercare nonprofit during accreditation, requiring organizations to complete an accreditation application, meet the Code of Standards, and agree to scheduled and random site inspections. For nonprofit aftercare organizations seeking industry-standard recognition.
• Grants Program Annual grants program awarding funding to accredited aftercare organizations to support the retraining, retirement, and rehoming of Thoroughbreds. Since 2012, over $40.74 million has been granted to accredited organizations; $4.7 million was awarded to 86 organizations in 2025.
• Find an Organization Locator Searchable directory of TAA-accredited organizations with 175 facilities across North America offering adoption programs, rehab programs, sanctuary, and equine-assisted programs. For adopters, donors, and industry stakeholders looking to locate accredited aftercare facilities.
• Code of Standards
• Off to the Races Online Benefit Auction Annual online auction featuring VIP racing experience packages with access to major race days at renowned racetracks across North America, with proceeds supporting accredited aftercare.
• Calendar Photo Contest Annual contest seeking photos of Thoroughbreds in residence at or rehomed by TAA-accredited facilities. Twelve winning photos are featured in the annual calendar, with one selected for the cover.
• Education and Resources

Quantifiable outcome

• $40.74 million granted to accredited aftercare organizations since 2012
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• 1/ST Racing (The Stronach Group)coreGTM or Marketing Partner1/ST Racing promotes accredited aftercare awareness at major race days including Preakness, Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita, and others. TAA is recognized as Official Aftercare Partner of the Pegasus World Cup and has partnered with 1/ST for over eleven consecutive years.
• NYRA (New York Racing Association)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNYRA features TAA as Community Partner of the Day at Saratoga and presents named races to benefit TAA at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. Provides VIP experiences and community booth activations.
• Churchill DownscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTAA is present during Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs with activations promoting accredited aftercare awareness. Churchill Downs hosts TAA at major racing events.
• Beyond the WiremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaryland's official first exit from racing program, Beyond the Wire serves as TAA's key partner in the Maryland market. It is a TAA aftercare partner that works closely with Maryland Jockey Club and Maryland THA.
• CARMA (California Retirement Management Account)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia's Thoroughbred community's racetrack placement program, created by TOC and CHRB in 2012. Has placed over 500 horses with TAA-accredited partners and individual equestrians.
• TAKE THE LEADmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRacetrack placement program established by NYTHA in 2013 at NYRA tracks. Has successfully transitioned more than 1,400 Thoroughbreds, donating $1,500-$4,500 per horse to accepting TAA-accredited organizations.
• Retired Racehorse ProjectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTAA sponsors the Freestyle discipline at the Retired Racehorse Project's Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, promoting second careers for retired Thoroughbreds.
• America's Best RacingmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerABR hosts the annual Pre-Preakness Party benefiting TAA, raising tens of thousands of dollars. ABR also features TAA through content, interviews, and event activations at major race days.
• Del Mar Thoroughbred ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDel Mar recognizes TAA with named races on Pacific Classic Day and supports accredited aftercare through race day activations and VIP experiences.
• Tampa Bay DownsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLongtime supporter of TAA, featuring TAA with named races on Tampa Bay Derby undercard and promoting accredited aftercare awareness throughout race meets.
• American Humane AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTAA's Code of Standards and accreditation process have been reviewed and approved by the American Humane Association, providing legitimacy and credibility to the organization's standards.
• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTAA's Code of Standards and accreditation process have been reviewed and approved by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, ensuring veterinary best practices are incorporated.
• Hallway FeedsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of TAA named races and Best Turned Out Horse Awards at Preakness and other race days, promoting accredited aftercare awareness.
• Fidelity FirstminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Best Turned Out Horse Awards at Preakness Stakes Day in partnership with TAA, supporting the organization's visibility at major racing events.
• Tipperary EquestrianminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of grand prize helmets for TAA's annual Calendar Photo Contest winners, providing product prizes to featured Thoroughbred photographers.
• BloodHorse MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBloodHorse publishes aftercare editorials and TAA content in its Second Acts series, helping spread awareness of Thoroughbred aftercare to racing fans and industry participants.
• Brook Ledge Horse TransportationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor providing horse transportation vouchers for silent auction items at TAA benefit events, supporting fundraising efforts.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Kentucky Horse Racing Commission: State regulator that licenses racing participants and oversees industry integrity in Kentucky, including breeding, racing, and welfare rules. Adjacent to TAA through regulatory overlap and the recent HB8 funding arrangement.
• Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation: Leading U.S. nonprofit funding equine veterinary research to improve horse health, including for Thoroughbreds. Adjacent to TAA in welfare focus and donor base, supporting systemic horse-health improvements relevant to TAA's Code of Standards.

Direct peers

• New Vocations Racehorse Adoption: One of the largest racehorse adoption programs in the U.S., operating satellite facilities across multiple states to rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome retired Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. Closely comparable nonprofit model and beneficiary base to TAA-accredited aftercare organizations.
• Standardbred Retirement Foundation: Nonprofit funding the retirement and adoption of Standardbred harness racing horses, operating a model analogous to TAA but for the harness racing segment. Comparable structure as a fundraising-and-adoption intermediary for racehorse welfare.
• Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue: Regional nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of horses including Thoroughbreds in the Mid-Atlantic region. Comparable accredited aftercare operator within TAA's footprint.
• Old Friends: Dream farm-based Thoroughbred retirement facility providing permanent sanctuary for retired racehorses, including stars of the sport. Direct peer in the Thoroughbred retirement/sanctuary space funded largely through donations.
• CANTER: Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses is a national nonprofit that buys, rehabs, and resells retired Thoroughbreds directly off the racetrack. Highly comparable mission and operational approach to TAA-accredited direct-retirement programs.
• Retired Racehorse Project: Operates the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, the largest national retraining competition for ex-racehorses, with an overlapping mission of transitioning retired Thoroughbreds into second careers. Directly comparable as another nonprofit channel dedicated to Thoroughbred aftercare promotion and adoption.
• ReRun Racehorse Adoption: Nonprofit Thoroughbred aftercare organization with rehabilitation and adoption programs in multiple states, taking ex-racehorses directly from tracks and retraining them for new careers. Directly comparable to TAA-accredited adoption-focused organizations.

Broad incumbents

• The Jockey Club: Thoroughbred industry registry and governance body that is also a founding financial partner of TAA. Comparable in industry-wide scope and influence, but operates broadly across registration, technology, and advocacy rather than only aftercare.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TBaftercare
• YouTubeyoutube.com/tbaftercare
• Facebookfacebook.com/ThoroughbredAftercareAlliance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thoroughbred-aftercare-alliance
• Instagraminstagram.com/tbaftercare
• TikToktiktok.com/@tbaftercare

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance